The 2010 Nissan Micra was just unveiled at the 80th edition Geneva Motor Show. The 2010 Nissan Micra represents the company’s fourth generation small car and was improved both mechanically and visually.
In Europe the 2010 Nissan Micra will be available with two engines, which are the new HR12
1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol that produces 59kW (80ps) and 108Nm of torque, and the supercharged 1.2-litre direct injection unit featuring a
start-stop system. This second engine supplies the 2010 Nissan Micra with 72kW (98PS) and
142Nm of torque and has CO2 emissions of 95g/Km.
Both these engines available for the 2010 Nissan Micra come linked to a 5-speed
manual gearbox or Nissan’s new Continuously Variable Transmission.
The 2010 Nissan Micra price was not announced but market availability will start in Thailand in March, followed by sales in Europe beginning this autumn.
Nissan press release :
GENEVA (March 2, 2010) – Carlos Ghosn, Chief Executive Officer,
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, today unveiled the company’s all new Micra, the
fourth generation of the iconic city car, at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show.
Boasting breakthrough packaging and small-car engineering, the
all-new, fourth generation Nissan Micra (known as March in Japan) is on
course to create a whole new set of industry standards. Unveiled today
at the Geneva Motor Show, the Micra has consistently won praise and
success for in Europe, Japan and other markets, gaining a reputation as
a reliable, stylish, accessible compact car enjoyed by a wide
cross-section of customers. The new Micra has been designed to build on
that trend – in 160 countries.
“Combine 25 years’ experience of designing compact cars for city
driving… with a totally new, versatile platform and Nissan production
know-how… and the result is modern, simple and destined to be a serious
competitor on the world stage,” said Carlos Ghosn,during the car’s
reveal.
At a glance:
- Spacious interior allied to compact exterior dimensions
- All new 3-cylinder petrol engine including supercharged and direct
injection version with emissions of 95g/km to be added to the line up
later - New Continuously Variable Transmission with world-first technology
- All new Versatile platform conceived to be light weight
- New Micra to be sold in 160 countries and manufactured in four different plants
Developed and built on Nissan’s all-new V-platform, which was
developed under a comprehensive new production engineering process, the
new Micra was designed and tested in Japan to be built in at least four
overseas locations, and fine-tuned to meet the differing tastes and
needs of customers in 160 countries worldwide. Breaking with traditions
that focused on launching production in established markets like Europe
and Japan, Nissan will base production of the new Micra at overseas
manufacturing sites such as Thailand, India, Mexico and China.
Design
“The car has to charm a global audience,” comments Makoto Yamane,
Associate Product Chief Designer. “Its face had to look stylish and
have an air of sophistication to it..” A unique design feature of this
car – its double-layer integrated grille – meets these requirements.
But the car’s classic shape was also crucial. That’s why it also
employs a stylised version of the distinctive arched side window line,
something that is central to the Micra’s heritage, identity and appeal
in Europe and Japan.
Retaining its compact dimensions, the new car is slightly longer and
marginally lower, while its longer wheelbase enables a
‘wheels-at-each-corner’ stance, the main reason behind the Micra’s
roomier interior. The boomerang-shaped grooves on the roof have a
clearly defined purpose too, continues Yamane. Aiming to create the
same sense of exterior style inside the car, Nissan has employed a
‘connected cocoon’ design featuring a dashboard design which takes on a
‘twin bubble’ theme. This refers to the circular instrumentation
binnacle and the similarly shaped glovebox compartment on the passenger
side.
All-new Engine and CVT
In Europe, a simple engine line-up sees just two engines options –
both are variations on Nissan’s all-new naturally aspirated HR12
1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Inheriting its DNA from the HR16
4-cylinder engine powering the Note and Qashqai, the new engine employs
valve-timing control (VTC). Power is rated at 59kW (80ps, while torque
output is 108Nm. At only 115g/km, CO2emissions for this version are world-class.
In addition to the new normally aspirated engine, Nissan will also
offer a supercharged 1.2-litre direct injection iteration with a
start-stop system fitted as standard in Europe. These technological
innovations – stop-start reduces CO2 by six per cent –
combine to offer spirited performance, with outputs of 72kW (98PS) and
142Nm of torque. Emissions will be just 95g/km, an exceptional
achievement for a petrol engine.
Both engine options in Europe are available with either a 5-speed
manual gearbox or Nissan’s all-new Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT). The wide gear coverage enables the 1.2-litre engine to achieve
the economy of a 1.0-litre as well as brisk acceleration.
Not satisified merely improving performance levels, engineers
excelled in developing ride and handling characteristics which combine
agility, refinement and poise. Mounted onto Nissan’s new signature
V-platform, the suspension has been designed to be both compact,
minimising intrusion at the rear for maximum trunk space, but not at
the expense of the car’s on-road dynamics. Particular attention has
been paid to bump absorption, meaning that the Micra will ride serenely
over challenging road surfaces, not suffer from wallow or float, and
cruise effortlessly at highway speeds.
Comfort, function and equipment
In contrast to its high speed capability, the car also has superb
visibility and a class-topping turning radius of 4.5m and several new
technologies that assist with minimising CO2 emissions and mileage while at the same time making parking easier.
Globally, equipment levels differ by market, but the new Micra is
available with some key technological innovations which are designed to
simplify day-to-day life for its owners.
The new Micra is available with reversing sensors and a new ‘parking
space measurement’ (PSM) device with three skill levels (amateur,
normal and expert) to lessen the burden of parking in tight spaces – a
unique feature in this segment, and likely to be a popular innovation
in Europe where ‘touch parking’ is a way of life.
It also offers an Intelligent Key, Nissan Connect, Nissan’s
accessible touch-screen combined audio and satellite navigation system,
glass roof, automatic wipers, speed sensitive volume on the audio, a
push button start-stop system in addition to a drive computer which
supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information, cruising
range and outside temperature. On the security side, the car is also
fitted with a speed-sensitive automatic door locking system.
Safety
The incorporation of the V-platform is one major factor contributing
to the car’s improved impactsafety. The car is designed to absorb the
forces of a frontal impact, thanks to the sophisticated crumple zones,
while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body
shell.In Europe, the Micra will be fitted with ABS, dual front airbags,
curtain and side airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)and
pretensioner seatbelts as standard equipment.
Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European Senior Vice President for Sales and
Marketing, said: “The new Micra will continue to be the benchmark city
car in Europe. Its appeal will be enhanced by its unique combination of
compact exterior dimensions, with roomy interior, small and efficient
engines, and user-friendly technology. Its continued icon status is
destined to be be reinforced in its fourth generation.”
Sales will begin in Thailand in March, with European sales starting in the autumn.
